CTI Plus Resources’ proposed metallurgical coal mine, located about halfway between Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia, would create up to 400 direct jobs in nearby communities including Mackenzie, reported the Prince George Citizen.
Judy Matkaluk, manager of Regulatory Affairs and Engagement of CTI Plus Resources, presented the project to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s board of directors on June 19. She noted that since Rocky Creek would produce more than 250,000 tonnes of rock per year, it will trigger both the federal and provincial environmental assessment process.
The project’s six proposed open pits in a northwest block and another pit in a separate southeast block are estimated to create three million tonnes of raw coal and two million tonnes of clean coal per year.
“We’re looking at approximately 10 years of mining for the northwest block and approximately one to two years for the southeast block,” Matkaluk said. “The last geology work that was done shows this to be a very high-grade coal.”
Matkaluk presented a timeline that showed CTI Plus Resources intends to submit its environmental assessment paperwork in the third quarter of 2026, receive certification in the fourth quarter of 2027, receive its mine permit and begin construction in the second quarter of 2028, and start operations in the third quarter of 2030.
She said the junior Canadian miner estimates that the project would create 400 direct jobs in local communities. “We want to have sustainable economic benefits for all the communities and local employment opportunities,” she said. “We believe in our local talent … you know the area better than we know it.”
Rocky Creek is located about 47 kilometers southwest of Chetwynd on Crown land.
Source: Prince George Citizen